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Taste of Costa Rica & More

from $0

8 days / 7 nights (3nts Arenal - 1nt Monteverde - 3nts Manuel Antonio)

This itinerary is ideal for those interested in exploring the wonders of two of Costa Rica's most spectacular eco-areas coupled with a few days at one of the most beautiful beach destinations in the world. This itinerary is family friendly.

The Arenal region is rich in natural attractions; experience thermo-mineral hot springs, waterfall hikes, horseback riding, birdwatching, biking and boat tours on the Cano Negro. Visitors to the Arenal region enjoy easy access to the nearby bustling town of La Fortuna with its local nightlife, restaurants and shops. Arenal Volcano puts out an unforgettable light and smoke show nearly every day. Nighttime viewing is the most spectacular, with glowing lava and mini-explosions lighting up the sky.

The Monteverde region is one of the most fascinating destinations in Costa Rica. The area is cool and verdant and rich in biodiversity and a multitude of microclimates. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve supports four different Life Zones. There are over 100 species of mammals, more than 400 species of birds, 120 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 3000 species of plants (among them 500 different kinds of orchids), as well as tens of thousands of insect species.

The Manuel Antonio region combines the rainforest with breathtaking white-sand beaches, among the most beautiful in the world! Manuel Antonio and the adjacent port town of Quepos have become a Mecca for jetsetters who come to enjoy the serenity of the place combined with an active nightlife that includes restaurants, bars and discotheques. Manuel Antonio National Park is a "must-see".

Recommended Hotel Pairings:
Option 1: Los Lagos in Arenal, Heliconia in Monteverde, Hotel Parador in Manuel Antonio
Option 2: Mountain Paradise in Arenal, Heliconia in Monteverde, Hotel Parador in Manuel Antonio
Option 3: Nayara in Arenal, Heliconia in Monteverde, Arenas del Mar in Manuel Antonio
Note: The booking form at left will auto-fill with (and your itinerary will be priced based on) the Option 1 hotels (the most economical option). The suggested upgraded hotel pairings can be manually entered if so desired. To upgrade to the Option 2 or Option 3 hotels simply make your alternate hotel selections during the shopping process.

Included Tour Activities in the Areas: Cano Negro Wildlife Reserve Boat Tour; Selvatura Park Tree Canopy Tour, Butterfly Garden and Hummingbird Exhibit; Manuel Antonio National Park ½ Day Tour
Additional Optional Tour Activities may be added online prior to finalizing your booking. Click on the links below to see a list of the optional tours available in each area.
Arenal Optional Tours
Monteverde Optional Tours
Manuel Antonio Optional Tours

Transportation:
Private Transfers (and Shared Transfers where available and feasible) are included in the above itinerary from/to the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), as well as from region to region. A less expensive Car Rental Option is also available for those who prefer to drive themselves.

Travel Tips:
Bring along long pants, attire for dining in town, camera, light-weight jacket, swimsuit, binoculars, walking/hiking shoes, rubber soled shoes for water activities, small backpack for excursions and rain poncho.

Also Available

Day #1
Most flights arrive at San Jose's Juan Santa Maria International Airport early afternoon. Your transfer to the beautiful Arenal area will take approximately 2 ½ -3 hours. Your drive through the countryside is easy and will offer a first look at the diversity the country has to offer. As you get closer to the Arenal area you will be able to spot the famous Arenal Volcano. After check in at your hotel, enjoy the rest of the day and evening at leisure or take a stroll through the small town of La Fortuna.
Overnight: Los Lagos (3½*) or Mountain Paradise (4*) or Hotel Arenal Nayara (5*)

Day #2
Rise and shine early and take in the amazing view of Arenal Volcano. What a perfect way to wake up! Today, a boat tour to the Cano Negro Wildlife Reserve is included. Start your journey from La Fortuna at 7:30am and make your way to the Reserve through the beautiful countryside, which takes about 1 hr. 45 mins. From there you will take a 3 hour boat ride down to Rio Frio where you will see various species of birds and animals. Lunch is included and a professional guide will be escorting you during this tour. After lunch start your journey back to La Fortuna and enjoy the evening at leisure at your hotel.
Overnight: Los Lagos (3½*) or Mountain Paradise (4*) or Hotel Arenal Nayara (5*)

Day #3
Sleep in if you want to and enjoy your day at leisure or book one of the many optional tours that are available from the Arenal area. Options include Hiking Tours, Canopy Tours, Hanging Bridges Tour, Canyoning and many more. Tonight enjoy one of the many wonderful natural Hot Springs that are available in the Arenal area.
Overnight: Los Lagos (3½*) or Mountain Paradise (4*) or Hotel Arenal Nayara (5*)

Day #4
Your stay in Arenal is over and you will be picked up early for your transfer to the Cloud Forest of Monteverde. A short transfer will take you to the meeting point to cross Lake Arenal by boat, which is a beautiful and peaceful 45 min. boat ride. Once you have reached the other side you will travel through rolling hills and amazing vistas to the Monteverde area, approximately a 2 hour journey. Included in your package is a visit to the amazing Selvatura Park located in the Cloud Forest. Here you will experience a wonderful Tree Canopy Tour (min kids age is 4) with 13 cables, 16 platforms and one Tarzan Swing; it’s one of the longest canopy tours in Costa Rica! Afterwards take your time in the Butterfly Farm with more than 50 different species of butterflies and the Hummingbird Garden with more than 14 species of hummingbirds. Lunch is included and you will be escorted by professional guides. Enjoy an evening at leisure at your hotel or enjoy a stroll through the small village of Santa Elena.
Overnight:Hotel Heliconia(3*)

Day #5
Your transfer to Manuel Antonio will depart early. Enjoy the beautiful scenic drive through the countryside and learn more about the amazing diversity of the country as you make your way to the Manuel Antonio area. Your driving time is approximately 4-5 hours. Check in at your hotel and enjoy your afternoon and evening at leisure. Take a stroll down the beach where many vendors are selling local goods or explore the delightful town of Quepos.
Overnight:Hotel Parador (4*) or Arenas del Mar Beach & Nature Resort (5*)

Day #6
Rise and shine early for your ½ day tour to the Manuel Antonio National Park. Even though one of the smallest national parks in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio is immense in beauty with its impressive combination of tropical rainforest, abundant wildlife and two idyllic beaches. Follow a professional guide through this impressive park, home to numerous species of butterflies, monkeys, snakes, orchids and more! Enjoy your afternoon and evening at leisure.
Overnight:Hotel Parador (4*) or Arenas del Mar Beach & Nature Resort (5*)

Day #7
The Manuel Antonio area offers a large variety of tours and activities. For those who are looking to explore the area, you may opt for an optional tour today. Enjoy your day!
Overnight:Hotel Parador (4*) or Arenas del Mar Beach & Nature Resort (5*)

Day #8
Unfortunately your taste of Costa Rica has come to an end - you'll just have to come back for more another time. You will be transferred from your hotel to San Jose's Juan Santa Maria International Airport (SJO) for your return flight home. We hope you had a wonderful stay. Pura Vida!

Hotels listed in above itinerary are recommendations based on first-hand experience. You may select other hotels during the online shopping process if you prefer. Similarly, included tours have been selected based on recommendations from our ground operator as well as personal experience - however, the itineraries are designed to be flexible and allow for the substitution of both hotels and optional tour activities as well as transportation options. You may add additional optional tour activities as well. Please note: Tips to porters and guides and airport departure taxes of US$26 pp are not included.